The underlying Your Soul Style message is about empowerment through the vehicle of style and ensuring authenticity in self expression. I began this blog to create a place where women could not only find style, trend and shopping tips, but also be encouraged, motivated and inspired to embrace their own individuality through it all! I’m a firm believer that a confident, genuine sense of style and self-love go hand in hand and we cannot achieve one without the other. I came across the article “How to Love Your Authentic Self” on the blog, Tiny Buddha which I wanted to share with you. Lori Deschene is brave (and humble) enough to be open and honest about her journey to self discovery while also enlightening us with the wisdom she’s gained from her personal experiences. None of us are perfect – I, myself sometimes challenged while managing (and filtering!) the outside and distracting noise that enters all our lives daily. It is critical to look inward and raise the sometimes uncomfortable awareness to important questions along the way, ensuring we’re accepting our true selves. It is here (and only here) where you can discover your soul style. photo credit: here

Earlier this week I posted this pic on instagram of an amazing bag that I found in Harper’s Bazaar. While flipping through the mag it noticeably stood out on the page thus beginning the deep dive into where this piece of perfection had been sourced from. Enter Muzungu Sisters! Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo are the co-founders of the brand and their mission is to “promote fair labour practices by showcasing artisan-crafted goods from around the world”. The online store was born in 2009 and Dana and Tatiana’s goal is to “shine a light on the rare artistry found in various communities, and to stimulate those local economies, all while providing customers with timeless, hand-selected items of impeccable quality and style.” I have become an instant fan of the product (and philosophy) and I’m thinking you might too! Shop the site here and read the bio behind each item – everything has a story. I’m currently coveting these. *above photo via here

If you are part of my generation (born in ’79) then you have at some point been a loyal GAP shopper. I remember when they opened in my hometown I was over the moon. It quickly became a staple spot for back-to-school basics and I’m pretty sure that at least 60% of my wardrobe was GAP in the early 90’s. I’m still a fan, picking up styles like the new ‘sexy boyfriend‘ jean from this spring, but from an overall retail perspective they have missed the mark for the past few years and the brand identity has become a little, ahem – schizophrenic. In speaking with a few people that I know at the company – GAP is getting back to its roots (and groove) of fashionable all american prep. They have been working towards re-establishing themselves as the go-to destination we’ve all grown to know and love for the classics. Rebekkah Bay, the companies new Creative Director may even be the new rival to J.CrewsJenna Lyons according to Connie Wang from Refinery29. This coming fall we’re about to see this new vision and collection come to life. Here are a few of my favorites from the fall 2013 look book. What do you think? xx #yoursoulstyle *photo credit: here and here

Have you seen Dove’s new “social experiment” video? If not, I think it’s worth checking out and I’d really like to hear your feedback. I have my own opinion which I’ll explain in a minute. Click here first to view it. There is a lot of controversy, the most popular a review written by Jazz Brice which you can find on her tumbler site, “little drops” found here, but before clicking the review I urge you to watch the campaign first. I did the reverse so I’m advising otherwise. Then let’s discuss.

So now that you’ve watched (don’t read on unless you have), these are my thoughts:

Although I understand Jazz’s commentary about Dove’s “social experiment”, I also have a profound appreciation for it; the message, that is. It is easy to pick apart a progressive and original approach to cultural messaging, but in doing so we lose the actual intention of the message! I won’t say the “social experiment” doesn’t have flaws and that there isn’t some validity to her review, however in order to evolve and move forward it takes courageous corporations like Dove to make the attempt. Being a pioneer is certainly not fool proof! From my perspective what they have done is raise an awareness to an ongoing societal issue that needs to be addressed. Women do have magnified self-esteem issues in this country and it’s about time we got to talking about it in a bigger way. We can all psycho-analyze this advertising and marketing campaign (and I am the queen of psychoanalyzing, trust me), but why should we expend our energy on that part of the project? How about taking away the larger message at hand which is about embracing and recognizing your individual beauty. It is not Dove’s job to teach us how to get there – it is their job to bring the subject into light – and with that, I think they’ve done a stellar job! I’d rather be part of the movement that takes the risk than the person who stands back and judges the attempt.

What do you think about the experiment? I really want to hear your thoughts so don’t be shy. Share away!!!

Hello friends! I hope you have had a lovely week. Mine has been pretty cathartic since my corporate America career came to a close (yesterday was my last day as a 9-5’er). I am ecstatic about this next step and look forward to new endeavors, especially the evolution of Your Soul Style. You have all been a crucial part of this journey and have given me the courage to make this change so I thank you for that. This community of women is what inspires me and the adventure has only just begun. Stay tuned – I have just scratched the surface. In the meantime, you know where to find me.

Here are a few of my favorite links from the week that I thought you may enjoy!